Mockernut
Hickory
(Carya
tomentosa Nutt.)
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Mockernut
hickory is sometimes referred to as white, whitcheart or big-bud
hickory. it is common on well-drained soils throughout the state.
The tree occasionally reaches 100 feet in height and 3 feet in
diameter, but it averages 50 to 70 feet tall and I to 2 feet in
diameter.
Mockernut hickory leaves are 8 to 12 inches long with seven to
nine (rarely five) thin, sharp-pointed, finely toothed leaflets
that are dark green above and a hairy orange-brown below. The
nut is roundish to oval, 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, with a thick
reddish-brown husk that splits almost to the base of the nut when
ripe. The meat of the nut is sweet and is enclosed in a very thick
shell.
The bark is dark gray to black, hard, closely and deeply furrowed,
often appearing cross-furrowed or netted. The winter buds are
large, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, spherical or broadly egg-shaped and
covered with downy, hard scales. New shoots are short, stout and
more or less covered with a downy growth.
The wood is heavy, hard, tough and strong; it is white except
for its comparatively small, dark brown heart -- hence the name
white hickory. Mockernut hickory is used for tool handles and
In sporting goods. This and the other hickories are very desirable
as both forest and shade trees. |
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